Happy Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord! Jesus

My Dear Parishioners,

On behalf of Msgr. Bolger, Fr. Connors, Msgr. McCoy, myself, and all those who minister and work here at St. Joseph parish I want to wish all of you and your loved ones a very Happy Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord! Jesus has risen from the dead! This announcement resounds in the Church throughout the world together with the singing of ‘Alleluia, He is alive forever in our midst’. This Good News has been lit like a new flame in the Holy night of the Easter Vigil; in the night of a world that faces crucial challenges.

Today, we must be grateful because we are able to gather as a family to celebrate our Lord’s resurrection, and that is the reason for our joy. We must understand that the resurrection of Christ is the victory of love over the root of evil, a victory that does not “pass over” suffering and death, but goes beyond them, opening a path in the abyss, transforming evil into good, a distinctive sign of the power of God. (Pope Francis, Easter message 2020).

As a parish, in the midst of this Easter joy, I want to invite you so that this Easter celebration is reflected in our faith commitment, and in the increase of our love for the parish. That being said, many parishioners still have not returned to in-person masses, I imagine they are still afraid, and I pray to God for them, because I know it is difficult. Jesus has risen and it is time to return home, it is time to overcome fear. It is time to begin to enjoy the sacramental life and to begin to invigorate pastoral activities. I think it is important to reflect on our baptismal commitment, that commitment must be reflected in active participation in parish ministries. We need more lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, altar servers (adult and student), choir members and more ushers. We have to rise with the Lord and begin to strengthen our parish more and make our ministries flourish again.

If you have not yet returned your Rice Bowls, you can write a check to St. Joseph Church, noting in the memo Rice Bowl, or Catholic Relief Services and mail it to the rectory, or drop it in the secure mail slot of the rectory front door. We will be forwarding those donations to Catholic Relief Services.

I wish to express my gratitude to you, the people of St. Joseph parish. I am most grateful for your prayers and support. I hope that you and your families experience the renewal of grace offered in Jesus’ saving sacrifice.

God Bless you,
Fr. Bordonaro